Instrument with helicoidal marks for reading time



R. ZANETTI Aug, 7, 1956 INSTRUMENT WITH HELICOIDAL. MARKS FOR READING TIME Filed Nov. 18, 1952 Fig.6'

INVENTOR. Z0 z e fi United States Patent INSTRUMENT WITH HELICOIDAL MARKS FOR READING TIME Renzo Zanetti, Milan, Italy Application November 18, 1952, Serial No. 321,248

Claims priority, application Italy June 18, 1952 11 Claims. (Cl. 58-126) The present invention relates to an instrument for reading time, whose indications can be seen from any directlon.

The object of the invention is substantially characterised by the fact that it is constituted by at least one solid of revolution provided with marks disposed according to a helix, other marks collaborating with said marks also disposed according to a helix, the relative movement of said marks in respect to the common axis of the helices determining the variation of the reciprocal position of the marks and therefore the possibility of reading the time. The solids or bodies of revolution are preferably cylindrical or tmnco-conical and are two in number, the one rotating with a speed different from the other one of them being fitted with a helicoidal line serving as an index and the other with a series of helicoidal lines having a pitch equal to that of the index and each of them intended to indicate an hour or a fraction of an hour.

The invention is illustrated in the annexed drawing in which:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of the instrument perspectively viewed. 7

Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 are front vertical views of some variants.

Figures 6 and 7 represent in an enlarged scale two portions of the surface provided with the helicoidal marks.

As shown by Fig. 1 the models of large dimensions as those for large squares, sport fields, ports and airports constitute an isolated columnar construction.

Those of medium dimensions, for ofiices, stores and banks may be suspended from the ceilings of the rooms. The small models are placed on tables, shelves etc.

In Fig. 1, by 1 is indicated the vertical axis cylinder on which are disposed the helicoidal signs 2 countermarked by references, for instance, numerical, so as to indicate the value corresponding to each mark (in particular, the hours). In the example illustrated a second cylindrical element 1' carries the helicoidal marks 2' countersigned by numerical symbols indicating the value of the minutes. In correspondence to the upper cylinder 1 a helicoidal mark 3 is provided having the same pitch as marks 2 and is carried by an organ (for instance, a transparent cylindrical element coaxial with cylinder 1).

Analogously, a helicoidal mark 3' collaborates with the lower cylinder 3.

Marks 2 (and 2') possess a rotary movement around their own axes in respect to marks 3 (3).

With respect to the surroundings, therefore, one of the elements carrying the marks may rotate, the other being stationary or both of them may be movable.

Obviously, the drive may be effected by means of an ordinary clockwork or by means of an electric impulse drive or similar drive.

Mark 3 (3') serves as an index for reading helicoidal marks 2 (2). In such a manner in correspondence to the upper cylinder 1 the hours may be read while in cor- 2,757,508 Patented Aug. 7, 1956 respondence to cylinder 1' the minutes values may be read.

It is evident that the reading may be made from any visual angle.

In Fig. 2 is illustrated an analogous apparatus in which the corresponding organs are distinguished by the same reference marks.

In order to facilitate the reading of the minutes units avoiding either rendering excessively close marks 2, or to avoid a reading by interpolation, a cylindrical auxiliary Vernier scale 4 has been provided, which rotates coaxially with cylinders 1 and 1 Whose reading may be effected in correspondence of one of the fixed indexes 5.

The speed of rotation of scale 4, the size of the scale and the number of indexes 5 will, of course, be such as to correspond to the reading of the minutes units, which reading will be integrated, as concerns the half scores by what is indicated on cylinder 1'. For instance, scale 4 may carry 60 divisions, do an entire revolution in an hour, or indexes 5 may be six in number, disposed with 60 between them.

In Fig. 3 in which the parts corresponding to those described are distinguished by the same reference numbers, the cylindrical zone subjacent helicoidal mark (3) is masked by an opaque cylindrical diaphragm 6 (6') which facilitates the reading by concealing helicoidal marks 2 (2') that do not interest the reading itself.

in the constructional solution shown in Fig. 4 the cylindrical elements carrying the helicoidal marks are completely masked by opaque cylinder 7 (7') and the reading is effected in correspondence to the middle marks 8 (8) of apertures 9 (9) made in cylinder 7 (7) and arranged according to a helix so as to practically substitute the helicoidal mark 3 of Figs. 1, 2, 3.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 analogously provides an upper opaque cylinder 10 with apertures 11 arranged helixwise and intended to permit the reading of the heli coidal marks on the inner helicoidal cylinder.

The reading of the minutes is on the contrary effected on either of scales 12 disposed according to generating lines, that are stationary, and with which collaborates a rotating reading index constituted by helicoidal mark 13.

It is understood that scales 12, identical with one another, are axially displaced so that the equivalent marks of the various scales are arranged according to a helix having a pitch corresponding to the one of mark 13. Figure 6 shows on an enlarged scale a portion of a cylinder provided with the helicoidal marks for 12 hours, said signs being distinguished by roman figures.

In Fig. 7 is represented an analogous portion of cylinder 1 with marks 2 for the minutes distinguished by arabic figures.

Of course, cylinder marks 1 and 1 and their indexes 3 and 3 (hours and minutes) may also have an opposite inclination and rotate in an opposite sense.

The marks and figures can be variously colored, in relief, luminous by transparence, luminescent or otherwise.

In the examples of Figs. 4 and 5 the helicoidal marks appearing at apertures 11 can be realised by means of circular bands superposed, each constituted by all the figures corresponding to the hours excepting that they are oifset so that the same figure for the various bands is arranged according to a helix.

The cylindrical elements, especially for very large apparatus and for hanging apparatus, may be substituted by truncated cone or similar elements.

I claim:

1. An indicating device comprising a base; drum means mounted on said base; a plurality of parallel, helically arranged rows of different markings on the circumferential surface of said drum means; an indicating means comprising a transparent member coaxial with said drum means and having marked thereon a helical line extending parallel to the helically arranged rows of markings on said drum means; and means for rotating one of said means about the axis of said drum means with respect to the other of said means, whereby as said one means rotates, the same row of markings is indicated along the entire extent of said indicating means.

2, A clock comprising a base; drum means mounted on said base; a plurality of parallel helically arranged rows of numbers on the circumferential surface of said drum means, each of said rows indicating a different value of time; an indicating means comprising an opaque member disposed parallel to the circumferential surface of said drum means and having a helically shaped edge extending parallel to the helically arranged rows of norm bers on said drum means; and means for rotating one of said means about the axis of said drum means with respect to the other of said means, whereby as said one means rotates, the same row of numbers is indicated along the entire helically shaped edge of said indicating means.

3. A clock comprising a base; drum means mounted on said base; a plurality of parallel helically arranged rows of numbers on the circumferential surface of said drum means, each of said rows indicating a different value of time; an indicating means comprising a transparent member coaxial with said drum means and having marked thereon a helical line extending parallel to the helically arranged rows of numbers on said drum means; and means for rotating one of said means about the axis of said drum means with respect to the other of said means, whereby as said one means rotates, the same row of numbers is indicated along the entire extent of said indicating means.

4. An indicating device comprising a drum means; a plurality of parallel, helically arranged rows of markings on the circumferential surface of said drum means, each of said rows of markings being different; a transparent member spaced from said drum member and having marked thereon a helical line parallel to one of the helically arranged rows on said drum means for indicating the markings on said drum means; and means for rotating said transparent member about the axis of said drum means with respect to said drum means, whereby the helical line indicates the same row of markings along its entire extent.

5. A visual indicating device comprising, in combination, an index member extending continuously through 360 about a predetermined axis along a helix; a tubular member having an axis substantially parallel to said predetermined axis, said tubular member being arranged within and having an outer surface surrounded by said index member and said tubular member extending along said predetermined axis in at least one direction beyond said index member so that said outer surface of said tubular member is visible through 360 beyond at least one side of said index member; indieia arranged on said outer surface of said tubular member in helical coextensive rows of substantially the same pitch as said helix, said rows being distributed about said outer surface of said tubular member at least through the length of said outer surface which is surrounded by said index member, and said indieia including a plurality of different characters respectively arranged in said rows with the same character, repeated several times and distributed along a row; and support means supporting at least one of said members for turning movement about said predetermined axis with respect to the other of said members, whereby when the indicating device is viewed from any direction the angular relationship between said members will be indicated by said index member and the characters in the particular row located next to the same.

6. A visual indicating device comprising, in combination, an index member extending continuously through 360 about a predetermined axis along a helix; a tubular member having an axis substantially parallel to said predetermined axis, said tubular member being arranged within and having an outer surface surrounded by said index member and said tubular member extending along said predetermined axis in at least one direction beyond said index member so that said outer surface of said tubular member is visible through 360 beyond at least one side of said index member; indieia arranged on said outer surface of said tubular member in helical coextensive rows of substantially the same pitch as said helix, said rows being distributed about said outer surface of said tubular member at least through the length of said outer surface which is surrounded by said index member, and said indieia including a plurality of different characters respectively arranged in said rows with the same character, repeated several times and distributed along a row; and support means supporting at least one of said members for turning movement about its axis and maintaining the other member stationary, whereby when the indicating device is viewed from any direction the angular relationship between said members will be indicated by said index member and the characters in the particular row located next to the same.

7. A visual indicating device comprising, in combination, an opaque hollow index member having one edge extending continuously through 360 about a predetermined axis along a helix; a tubular member having an axis substantially parallel to said predetermined axis, said tubular member being arranged within and having an outer surface surrounded by said index member and said tubular member extending along said predetermined axis in at least one direction beyond said edge of said index member so that said outer surface of said tubular member is visible through 360 beyond at least one side of said edge of said index member; indieia arranged on said outer surface of said tubular member in helical coextensive rows of substantially the same pitch as said helix, said rows being distributed about said outer surface of said tubular member at least through the length of said outer surface which is surrounded by said index member, and said indieia including a plurality of different characters respectively arranged in said rows with the same character, repeated several times and distributed along a row; and support means supporting at least one of said members for turning movement about said predetermined axis with respect to the other of said members, whereby when the indicating device is viewed from any direction the angular relationship between said members will be indicated by said edge of said index member and the characters in the particular row located next to the same.

8. A clock comprising, in combination, an index member extending continuously through 360 about a predetcrmined axis along a helix; a tubular member having an axis substantially parallel to said predetermined axis, said tubular member being arranged within and having an outer surface surrounded by said index member and said tubular member extending along said predetermined axis in at least one direction beyond said index member so that said outer surface of said tubular member is visible through 360 beyond at least one side of said index member; numerals, indicating time, arranged on said outer surface of said tubular member in helical coextensive rows of substantially the same pitch as said helix, said rows being distributed about said outer surface of said tubular member at least through the length of said outer surface which is surrounded by said index member, and said numerals arranged in said rows so that each row indicates a different hour with the same hour repeated several times and distributed along each row; and support means supporting at least one of said members for turning movement about said predetermined axis with re spect to the other of said members, whereby when the clock is viewed from any direction the time will be indicated by said index member and the said numerals in the particular row located next to the same.

9. A clock comprising, in combination, an opaque hollow index member having one edge extending continuously through 360 about a predetermined axis alon helix; a tubular member having an axis substantially parallel to said predetermined axis, said tubular member being arranged Within and having an outer surface surrounded by said index member and said tubular member extending along said predetermined axis in at least one direction beyond said edge of said index member so that said outer surface of said tubular member is visible through 360 beyond at least one side of said edge of said index member; numerals, indicating time, arranged on said outer surface of said tubular member in helical coextensive rows of substantially the same pitch as said helix, said rows being distributed about said outer surface of said tubular member at least through the length of said outer surface which is surrounded by said index member, and said numerals arranged in said rows so that each row indicates a different hour with the same hour repeated several times and distributed along each row; and support means supporting at least one of said members for turning movement about said predetermined axis with respect to the other of said members, whereby when the clock is viewed from any direction the time will be indicated by said index member and the said numerals in the particular row located next to the same.

10. A clock, comprising, in combination, a first and second index member each extending continuously through 360 about a predetermined axis along a helix, said members being arranged adjacent each other along said axis; first and second tubular members arranged within and having an outer surface surrounded by said first and second index members, respectively, and said first and second tubular members extending along said predetermined axis in at least one direction beyond said first and second index members respectively so that said outer surfaces of said first and second tubular members are each visible through 360 beyond at least one side of said first and second index members respectively; numerals, indicating respectively hours and minutes arranged on said outer surfaces of said first and second tubular members, respectively, in helical coextensive rows of substantially the same pitch as said helix, said rows being distributed about said outer surfaces of said first and second members at least through the length of said outer surfaces which is located within said first and second index members, and the rows of numerals on said first tubular member respectively indicating different hours and the rows of numerals on said second tubular member respectively indicating different minutes; and support means supporting one of said first members, for turning movement about said predetermined axis with respect to the other of said first members and one of said second members for turning movement about said axis with respect to the other of said second members, whereby when the clock is viewed from any direction the time in hours and minutes will be indicated by said first and second index members and the numerals in the particular row of said first and second tubular members located next to the same.

ll. A clock comprising, in combination, a first and second opaque hollow index member having each one edge extending continuously through 360 about a predetermined axis along a helix, said members being arranged adjacent each other along said axis; first and second tubular members arranged within and having an outer surface surrounded by said first and second index members, respectively, and said first and second tubular members extending along said predetermined axis in at least one direction beyond said edge of said first and second index members respectively so that said outer surfaces of said first and second tubular members are each visible through 360 beyond at least one side of said edge of said first and second index members respectively; numerals, indicating respectively hours and minutes arranged on said outer surfaces of said first and second tubular members, respectivel in helical coextensive rows of substantially the same pitch as said helix, said rows being distributed about said outer surfaces of said first and second members at least through the length of said outer surfaces which is located within said first and second index members, and the rows of numerals on said first tubular member respectively indicating difierent hours and the rows of numerals on said second tubular member respectively indicating different minutes; and support means supporting one of said first members, for turning movement about said predetermined axis with respect to the other of said first members and one of said second members for turning movement about said axis with respect to the other of said second members, whereby when the clock is viewed from any direction the time in hours and minutes will be indicated by said first and second index members and the numerals in the particular row of said first and second. tubular members located next to the same.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,157,540 Horwitt May 9, 1939 2,411,597 Smith Nov. 26, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS 3,309 France Sept. 6, 1833 548,140 France Oct. 12, 1922 495,047 Germany Aug. 19, 1933 

